Murray’s Life in Postcards

Butte, Montana

Murray made a fortune by charging surface rents to buildings owners on his Smokehouse Lode Mining Claim. He had a right to enter his mining claim at any point, so owners paid rent to keep him from destroying their properties to access his claim.

Dr. T.J. Murray, no relation, told his son that Murray financed his hospital in Butte, Montana.

Hot Springs & Resorts

Murray’s first resort was Hunter’s Hot Springs near the northern gateway to Yellowstone Park. The property included the Dakota hotels.

Monterey, California

Murray purchased the former home of Hugh Tevis in 1904 from David Jacks. His family was the first and last resident. The property, sitting at the edge of Cannery Row, was acquired for a cannery and demolished after WW II.

Murray commissioned this monument to replace a simple wooden cross that marked the location of Serra’s first mass in Northern California.

San Diego, California

Murray owned the Cuyamaca Water Company in San Diego from 1910 until he died in 1921. The Cuyamaca and Murray Dams are part of the system he owned.

Seattle, Washington

Murray’s bank in Seattle was the second high-rise built with a steel and concrete frame.

Salt Lake City

When Murray passed away in 1921, he held a $300,000 mortgage on the Semloh Hotel.